Hampden Fire Department gets federal funds

HAMPDEN, Maine — The Hampden Fire Department will receive $118,750 in federal funds to purchase a brush truck that will allow the department to better respond to forest and grass fires.

The funding was announced this week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security though its Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, or AFG.

“This funding will allow us to replace a 1950s-era Jeep that is not safe and does not carry enough water,” Hampden Fire Chief Joe Rogers said. “This new equipment will better allow the department to respond to wild land fires.”

The AFG program makes investments directly to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.

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“Investments in our firefighters improve public safety by providing the best training, equipment and facilities we can offer,” U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, said in a statement. “With these additional resources, the Hampden fire department will be able to better serve and protect the community.”